Top Maoist leader killed by security forces in Chatra

CHATRA: A Maoist leader, who carried a reward of Rs 17 lakh on his head, was killed by security forces in Chatra district's Kunda forest, the police said today.

Ajay Ganju, alias Parasji, who was a regional commander of the CPI (Maoist), was killed in a joint operation by the Jharkhand police and the CRPF late last night, Superintendent of Police Anup Birtheray said.

While the Centre had put Rs 10 lakh on his head, the state government had announced a reward of Rs seven lakh for the Maoist who was allegedly involved in several Naxal-related violence and murder cases.